The drive over to Leeds from our house is about 30 minutes and I’ve driven it many times since we’ve lived here. Peter’s mom and Grandma Eleanor live over that way and so the main road from here to there is very picturesque and just a beautiful scenic drive. Closer into the small town of Leeds, I’ve passed by this house many times and noticed the historical sign out front. One recent day driving over, I noticed that the sign said that this beautiful old home is a museum, so I stopped by and took pics. It wasn’t open at the time, but I walked around and got some nice photos. You can read the sign to get an idea of the history of this house.
It’s a beautiful white farmhouse style home and as you can see dates back to 1863. I love to see homes like this that are restored and kept alive for future generations to enjoy.
A beautiful wooden front door greets visitors coming up the steps.
I love the sweeping front porch with 4 rocking chairs across it. I can imagine the rocking that’s gone on here over the years. This house sits right on the main road going into Leeds.
Large shutters
Closeup of the beautiful door.
And the front railing of the porch.
This old brick red chimney has seen a lot of fires, I’m sure.
The little garden area to the side is very quaint too.
I thought these blue/white checked curtains were precious.
And on the back porch hangs the tools of the house, probably well used over the years.
Two outbuildings are in the back, probably a barn and maybe a tiny guesthouse, I’m using my imagination.
This old bell sits in the middle of the yard. Not sure what the significance is for it. I’ll have to stop by there again one day when they’re open so I can see inside this pretty place.
On down the road is another place that has caught my eye for a long time. It’s called The Sonnet House and I decided to drive in there this time and take some pics. We couldn’t tell what this place was, but watched as a parking lot was built and things began to change. It almost looks like a church on the lefthand side with the steeple, but then the farmhouse itself is SO pretty.
I saw they had a sign up with a website, so I checked it out and it’s a special events house now. Built in 1924, it’s been renovated for parties, weddings, and receptions. You can check it out here.
I’m glad I finally found out what this place is used for. It’s a gorgeous piece of history too. I’ve got some more fun Grandma Eleanor stories to share with you next week, as well as a peek into their attic. And I finally got a pic of the aqua chair. You will not want to miss that!
Hope you enjoyed sightseeing with me in Alabama!
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Ooooh! Thank you for posting about these great Alabama homes! I would love to see them in person sometime. The double doors on the first one make me weak in the knees…. 🙂
Layla
The Lettered Cottage
Thanks for the tour, can’t wait for more Grandma stories…
Have a great week-end Rhoda,
Kathy 🙂
ps any yardsales planned for the week-end?
What wonderful homes…thank you for sharing them with us, Rhoda!
Beautiful homes, absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Okay, you did it. I think I want to move to Alabama!
We do live in a beautiful area!
What lovely homes. I love those doors, they are just beautiful!
Thanks Rhoda for the great Alabama photos. Made me think of my dad & grandma who are now both in heaven. Dad was born & raised in Alabama but later moved to Calif. So we took many trips from Ca. to Alabama to visit grandma when I was a child. Dad always wanted to move back to Alabama & he finally got that chance when he was 67, but unfortunately he passed away 1 yr later. Alabama will always have a sweet spot in my heart!
I love all of the old houses the Birmingham area has to share. These two you have pictured are just so cute. There are some beautiful elements (like the wooden double doors) that are so desirable in both.
Hope you have enjoyed the cooler temps this week,
Jen
wow, I love the door with the huge glass transom. It has so much character. Love your blog:)
Ohhhhhhhh I love the Sonnet house, sometime when we’re around B’ham we’ll have check these places out.
Tracy
What beautiful old homes! I could see myself living there. I’m glad they are kept and being used for people’s enjoyment.
Your Fall decorations are sooo cute and you got some nice things from Grandma’s house.
Can’t wait to see what you do with them.
Why oh WHY dont they build houses like that anymore?
Oh, what beautiful photos. I love farmhouses and also big porches with rocking chairs. Thank you for the tour! 🙂
THANKS for the tour! You are just right down the road from me…..I will definately have take a 'road trip' soon!
Very Interesting post!
MIMILEE<><
The wooden front door of this home is amazing -I just redid the front door of my old dutch colonial home, had to paint it though.
My husband and I went out for a drive in a small nearby town this morning. It was a lovely drive with beautiful countryside.
I enjoyed your drive.
The first house, I’m pretty sure, is where I dream about living.
The second house…oh the second house. WHY, why do they not have great places like this for a wedding in the mid-west. I want so badly to get married on the grounds of an old estate, or in a barn!
Thanks for a break away to day dream 🙂
Love this! Can’t wait to see more!
Thanks for the info on the paint color. Its so funny b/c I have a Sherwin Williams paint swatch book-and the one color I kept going to was the exact color you used! Also LOVE all the yard sale finds- cant wait to see the blk and wht room. TJ Maxx had these beautiful damask lamp shades that would go perfect with those lamps- they were $13 a piece -I think. I too am sooo in love with all things black and white. I am thinking of spray painting a huge garden urn I have all in black (to make it look like those old cast iron planters that cost a fortune)then planting orange mums in it for fall.